Emergency alert system channel assignment

ABSTRACT

A device automatically is configured to the emergency alert system (EAS) channel utilized by the location from which the device registers with a network. In an example configuration, an EAS server provides a mobile switching center (MSC) configuration information regarding the emergency alert channels to be used for the cellular sites supported by the MSC. When the mobile device registers via a cellular site supported by the MSC, the designated channel to be used for EAS messages is sent to the mobile device as part of the registration process. The mobile device assigns an internal channel to the designated channel. In another example configuration, the mobile device is preconfigured with a table listing all possible EAS channels, and the MSC provides, during the registration process, a pointer to the appropriate portion of the table.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/184,759, filed Feb. 20, 2014. U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/184,759 is a continuation of, and claimspriority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/449,524, filed Apr. 18,2012. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/449,524 is a continuation of,and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/841,121,filed Aug. 20, 2007, which issued on May 15, 2012 with U.S. Pat. No.8,180,318. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/841,121 claims priorityto U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/911,136, filed Apr. 11,2007. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/184,759, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/449,524, U.S. Pat. No. 8,180,318, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/841,121, and U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 60/911,136 are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to communications systems and morespecifically relates to the broadcast of emergency messages. Even morespecifically, the technical field relates to assigning a channel foremergency messages in accordance with the location of the devicereceiving the emergency message.

BACKGROUND

The wireless Emergency Alert System (EAS) is capable of providingmessages indicative of a variety of types of alerts. Via the EAS,subscribers thereof can receive messages pertaining to weatherconditions, disasters, AMBER (America's Missing: Broadcast EmergencyResponse) alerts, and/or alerts issued by the Government, for example.To receive EAS messages, typically, a subscriber registers with acommunications network via a mobile switching center (MSC). An MSCperforms functions such as registration, authentication, locationupdating, handovers, and call routing. One MSC can support multiplecellular sites. Cellular sites can provide EAS messages on differentchannels. When a subscriber registers with an MSC, all emergency alertchannels in the cellular sites supported by the MSC are reserved for EASalert messages. Reserving multiple channels is an inefficient use ofresources.

SUMMARY

A device is automatically configured to the emergency alert channel(s)of the current serving market. Accordingly, a channel for receivingemergency messages is automatically selected depending upon the locationof the device. For example, Emergency Alert System (EAS) server providesa mobile switching center (MSC) configuration information regarding theemergency alert channels to be used for the cellular sites supported bythe MSC. In an example embodiment, when the mobile device registers on acellular site supported by the MSC, an indication of the channel to beused for EAS messages is sent to the mobile device as part of theregistration process. When the mobile device notifies the MSC of alocation update, the MSC sends an updated indication of EAS channel. Inanother example embodiment, the mobile device is pre-configured with atable of all possible emergency channel assignments. When the mobiledevice registers on a cellular site, the MSC provides, as part of theregistration response, the pointers to the appropriate entries into thetable or information that the mobile device can use to determine theappropriate channel. Whenever the mobile device notifies the MSC of alocation update, the MSC sends an updated set of pointers to theappropriate table entries or information that the mobile device can usedto determine the appropriate channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages of EAS channelassignment will be better understood from the following detaileddescription with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example process and system for assigningan EAS channel.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example processor for assigning an EASchannel.

FIG. 3 depicts an overall block diagram of an exemplary packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network, in whichthe system for assigning an EAS channel can be practiced.

FIG. 4 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network assegmented into four groups.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example alternate block diagram of an exemplaryGSM/GPRS/IP multimedia network architecture in which EAS channelassignment can be incorporated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The channel via which a mobile device receives an Emergency Alert System(EAS) message is assigned, within the mobile device, in accordance withthe location (e.g., cellular site) of the mobile device. A cellular sitecomprises the geographic area in which a mobile device can communicate(receive and/or transmit) with a cellular transceiver. Channels otherthan the assigned channel need not be reserved for EAS messages, andthus are available for alternative use. A cellular site provides EASmessages via a designated channel. Different cellular sites can havedifferent designated channels. In an attempt to efficiently utilizemobile device resources, the mobile device is configured to receive EASmessages via the designated channel in the cellular site in which themobile device is located. It is to be understood that, if a cellularcite has multiple EAS designated channels, the mobile device isconfigured to assign the corresponding multiple channels for EASmessages. In one example embodiment, the mobile device is provided,during registration, information pertaining to the designated channel.In another example embodiment, the mobile device is preconfigured with alisting of all available designated channels and the mobile device isprovided, during registration, a pointer to the appropriate designatedchannel.

Designated channels are described herein as applied to informationpertaining to the EAS; however application is not limited thereto. Thedesignated channel can comprise any channel dedicated for a specificpurpose. For example, a designated channel can comprise any appropriatechannel, such as a news channel, a foreign language channel, a weatherchannel, or the like. Thus, for example, a subscriber coming to theUnited States from Italy, would, in accordance with the herein describedchannel assignment process, upon the subscriber's mobile deviceregistering with a network, automatically have his/her mobile deviceprogrammed to receive information on a designated channel that providesinformation in Italian.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example process and system for assigningan EAS channel. At step 26, the mobile device 12 registers, via cellularnetwork 48, with the mobile switching center (MSC) 14. An MSC performsswitching functions along with other functions, such as registration.During registration, the MSC 14 receives registration informationpertaining to the mobile device 12, the subscriber associated with themobile device 12, and an indication of the cellular site from which themobile device 12 is registering. The MSC 14, at step 28, providesregistration information to the Home Location Register (HLR) 16. An HLRis a centralized database for users to register with a network. The HLR16 stores static information about the subscriber of the mobile device12 such as an indication of the subscriber's identity, subscribedservices, and dynamic subscriber information such as the currentlocation of the mobile subscriber (the current location of the mobiledevice 12). Upon receiving the registration request, the HLR 16 performswell known registration functions. Further, the HLR 16 analyzes thesubscriber's profile information contained therein. If the profileinformation stored in the HLR 16 indicates that the subscriber wants toreceive EAS messages, the HLR 16, at step 30, provides an indicationthereof along with the registration information (including theindication of the cellular site in which the mobile device 12 isregistering) to the Emergency Alert Server 18. The Emergency AlertServer 18 also maintains a list of the MSCs currently associated witheach registered subscriber who wants to receive EAS messages.

Upon receiving, at step 30, the registration information including theindication of the cellular site in which the mobile device is located,the Emergency Alert Server 18 determines the channel, or channels, inthat cellular site that are designated for EAS messages. At step 32, theEmergency Alert Server 18 provides, to the MSC 14, informationpertaining to designated EAS channels for each cellular site associatedwith the MSC 14.

In an example embodiment, information pertaining to designated EASchannels for each cellular site comprises, for example, a listing ortable, indicating the designated EAS channel or channels utilized byeach cellular site associated with the MSC 14. The MSC 14, uponreceiving, at step 32, the list of all EAS designated channels for eachcellular site associated therewith, determines the cellular site inwhich the mobile device 12 is located. At step 34, the MSC 14 provides,to the mobile device 12 via cellular radio network 48, an indication ofthe EAS designated channel, or channels, for the cellular site in whichthe mobile device 12 is located. Upon receiving, at step 34, theindication of the EAS designated channel(s), the mobile device 12assigns, within the mobile device 12, the EAS designated channel(s) forEAS related communications. That is, upon receiving, at step 34, theindication of the EAS designated channel, the mobile device 12configures itself (e.g., programs itself) to receive EAS messages viathe designated channel (or designated channels).

Each time a mobile device 12 registers with an MSC 14, steps 28, 30, 32,and 34 are performed. The lists maintained by the Emergency Alert Server18 are updated and indications of new EAS designated channel(s) areprovided to the mobile device 12. Thus, if a subscriber registers with afirst MSC 14 and later registers with a different MSC 14, the EmergencyAlert Server 18 updates the information stored therein pertaining to thesubscriber, including an identification of the different MSC 14. In thisway, the current location of a registered subscriber is maintained. Ifthe HLR 16 determines that a mobile device 12 is no longer registered,the HLR 16 provides an indication thereof to the Emergency Alert Server18 and the Emergency Alert Server 18 accordingly updates informationstored therein pertaining to the subscriber associated with the mobiledevice 12.

In another example embodiment, the mobile device 12 is preconfiguredwith a table, or the like, of all possible EAS designated channels.Thus, the table comprises a plurality of potential designated channels.In this example embodiment, the preconfigured table is in a format knownby the Emergency Alert Server 18 (e.g., a standard format). Duringregistration, the Emergency Alert Server 18 provides a pointer to theappropriate designated channel in the preconfigured table of the mobiledevice 12.

In accordance with this example embodiment, wherein the mobile device 12comprises a preconfigured table, and referring again to FIG. 1, at step26, the mobile device 12 registers with the MSC 14. During registration,the MSC 14 receives registration information pertaining to the mobiledevice 12, the subscriber associated with the mobile device 12, anindication of the cellular site from which the mobile device 12 isregistering, and an indication that the mobile device 12 ispreconfigured with a table indicative of all possible EAS designatedchannels. The MSC 14, at step 28, provides this information to the HLR16. Upon receiving this information, the HLR 16, at step 30, provides tothe Emergency Alert Server 18, an indication thereof along withregistration information, including an indication of the cellular sitein which the mobile device 12 is registering and the indication that themobile device 12 contains the preconfigured table.

Subsequent to step 30, the Emergency Alert Server 18 determines theappropriate point in the preconfigured table corresponding to thechannel, or channels, in the cellular site of the mobile device 12 thatare designated for EAS messages. At step 32, the Emergency Alert Server18 provides, to the MSC 14, a pointer to the appropriate portion of thepreconfigured table indicating the designated EAS channel(s) for thecellular site associated with the MSC 14 in which the mobile device 12is located.

The MSC 14, upon receiving, at step 32, the pointer, provides to themobile device 12 via cellular radio network 48, an indication of thepointer. Upon receiving, at step 34, the indication of the pointer, themobile device 12, utilizing the pointer to access the appropriateportion of the preconfigured table therein, assigns the EAS designatedchannel(s) for EAS related communications. That is, upon receiving, atstep 34, the indication of the EAS designated channel, the mobile device12 configures itself (e.g., programs itself) to receive EAS messages viathe designated channel (or designated channels) as selected from thepreconfigured table.

The mobile device 12 is representative of any appropriate type of devicethat can assign a designated EAS channel and be utilized to receive anEAS message. Example mobile devices include any type of wirelessreceiver or transceiver device with broadcast reception capabilities(e.g., cell phone, pager, PDA, PC, specialized broadcast receivingdevice, first responder Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), FM/AM radio, NOAAweather radio, Land Mobile Radio (LMR), satellite radio receiver,satellite phone, and television).

The mobile device 12 can comprise any type of wireless receiver ortransceiver device with broadcast reception capabilities (e.g., cellphone, pager, PDA, PC, specialized broadcast receiving device, firstresponder Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), FM/AM radio, NOAA weather radio,Land Mobile Radio (LMR), satellite radio receiver, satellite phone, andtelevision). Example devices can comprise any appropriate mobile device,such as, for example, a portable device, a variety of computing devicesincluding (a) a portable media player, e.g., a portable music player,such as an MP3 player, a Walkman, etc., (b) a portable computing device,such as a laptop, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a portablephone, such as a cell phone or the like, a smart phone, a SessionInitiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a video phone, a portable email device,a thin client, a portable gaming device, etc., (c) consumer electronicdevices, such as TVs, DVD players, set top boxes, monitors, displays,etc., (d) a public computing device, such as a kiosk, an in-store musicsampling device, an automated teller machine (ATM), a cash register,etc., (e) a navigation device whether portable or installed in-vehicleand/or (f) a non-conventional computing device, such as a kitchenappliance, a motor vehicle control (e.g., steering wheel), etc., or acombination thereof.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example processor for assigning an EASchannel. In an example configuration, the processor 54 comprises themobile device 12. It is emphasized that the block diagram depicted inFIG. 2 is exemplary and not intended to imply a specific implementation.Thus, the processor 54 can be implemented in a single processor ormultiple processors. Multiple processors can be distributed or centrallylocated. Multiple processors can communicate wirelessly, via hard wire,or a combination thereof. The processor 54 can comprise any appropriatedevice for assigning an EAS channel.

The processor 54 comprises a processing portion 34, a memory portion 36,and an input/output portion 38. The processing portion 34, memoryportion 36, and input/output portion 38 are coupled together (couplingnot shown in FIG. 2) to allow communications therebetween. Theinput/output portion 38 is capable of providing and/or receivingcomponents utilized to assign an EAS channel as described above. Forexample, as described above, the input/output portion 38 is capable ofproviding/receiving registration information for initiating theregistration process, receiving an indication of the location (e.g.,cellular site) of the mobile device, receiving an indication of apointer to a table comprising a plurality of potential designatedchannels, or a combination thereof. The processing portion 34 is capableof assigning a channel of the mobile device to a designated channel, asdescribed above.

The processor 54 can be implemented as a client processor and/or aserver processor. In a basic configuration, the processor 54 can includeat least one processing portion 34 and memory portion 36. The memoryportion 36 can store any information utilized in conjunction withassigning an EAS channel. For example, as described, the memory portionis capable of storing the table comprising the plurality of potentialdesignated channels. Depending upon the exact configuration and type ofprocessor, the memory portion 36 can be volatile (such as RAM) 40,non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) 42, or a combinationthereof. The processor 54 can have additional features/functionality.For example, the processor 54 can include additional storage (removablestorage 44 and/or non-removable storage 46) including, but not limitedto, magnetic or optical disks, tape, flash, smart cards or a combinationthereof. Computer storage media, such as memory portion 36, 40, 42, 44,and 46, include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules, or other data. Computer storage media include, but are notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, universal serial bus (USB) compatible memory, smartcards, or any other medium which can be used to store the desiredinformation and which can be accessed by the processor 54. Any suchcomputer storage media can be part of the processor 54.

The processor 54 can also contain communications connection(s) 52 thatallow the processor 54 to communicate with other devices, for example.Communications connection(s) 52 is an example of communication media.Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. The term computerreadable media as used herein includes both storage media andcommunication media. The processor 54 also can have input device(s) 50such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device,etc. Output device(s) 48 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. alsocan be included.

Each of the MSC 14, HLR 16, and Emergency Alert Server 18 can compriseany appropriate type of processor. Example processors can be implementedin a single processor or multiple processors. Multiple processors can bedistributed or centrally located. Multiple processors can communicatewirelessly, via hard wire, or a combination thereof. Examples processorsinclude mobile communications devices, mobile telephones, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), lap top computers, handheld processors, or acombination thereof. Thus the MSC 14, HLR 16, and Emergency Alert Server18 can be implemented as a single processor, separate processors,distributed processors, or a combination thereof.

The following description sets forth some exemplary telephony radionetworks and non-limiting operating environments in which EAS channelassignment can be implemented. The below-described operatingenvironments should be considered non-exhaustive, however, and thus thebelow-described network architectures merely show how EAS channelassignment can be incorporated into existing network structures andarchitectures. It can be appreciated, however, that EAS channelassignment can be incorporated into existing and/or future alternativearchitectures for communication networks as well.

The global system for mobile communication (“GSM”) is one of the mostwidely utilized wireless access systems in today's fast growingcommunication environment. The GSM provides circuit-switched dataservices to subscribers, such as mobile telephone or computer users. TheGeneral Packet Radio Service (“GPRS”), which is an extension to GSMtechnology, introduces packet switching to GSM networks. The GPRS uses apacket-based wireless communication technology to transfer high and lowspeed data and signaling in an efficient manner. The GPRS attempts tooptimize the use of network and radio resources, thus enabling the costeffective and efficient use of GSM network resources for packet modeapplications.

As one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, the exemplaryGSM/GPRS environment and services described herein also can be extendedto 3G services, such as Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”),Frequency Division Duplexing (“FDD”) and Time Division Duplexing(“TDD”), High Speed Packet Data Access (“HSPDA”), cdma2000 1x EvolutionData Optimized (“EVDO”), Code Division Multiple Access-2000(“cdma2000”), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access(“TD-SCDMA”), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (“WCDMA”), EnhancedData GSM Environment (“EDGE”), International MobileTelecommunications-2000 (“IMT-2000”), Digital Enhanced CordlessTelecommunications (“DECT”), etc., as well as to other network servicesthat become available in time. In this regard, the techniques of EASchannel assignment can be applied independently of the method for datatransport, and do not depend on any particular network architecture, orunderlying protocols.

FIG. 3 depicts an overall block diagram of an exemplary packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network, in whichthe system for implementing EAS channel assignment can be practiced. Inan example configuration, the cellular radio network 48 is encompassedby the network environment depicted in FIG. 3. In such an environment,there are a plurality of Base Station Subsystems (“BSS”) 200 (only oneis shown), each of which comprises a Base Station Controller (“BSC”) 202serving a plurality of Base Transceiver Stations (“BTS”) such as BTSs204, 206, and 208. BTSs 204, 206, 208, etc. are the access points whereusers of packet-based mobile devices (e.g., mobile device 12) becomeconnected to the wireless network. In exemplary fashion, the packettraffic originating from user devices (e.g., user device 20) istransported via an over-the-air interface to a BTS 208, and from the BTS208 to the BSC 202. Base station subsystems, such as BSS 200, are a partof internal frame relay network 210 that can include Service GPRSSupport Nodes (“SGSN”) such as SGSN 212 and 214. Each SGSN is connectedto an internal packet network 220 through which a SGSN 212, 214, etc.can route data packets to and from a plurality of gateway GPRS supportnodes (GGSN) 222, 224, 226, etc. As illustrated, SGSN 214 and GGSNs 222,224, and 226 are part of internal packet network 220. Gateway GPRSserving nodes 222, 224 and 226 mainly provide an interface to externalInternet Protocol (“IP”) networks such as Public Land Mobile Network(“PLMN”) 250, corporate intranets 240, or Fixed-End System (“FES”) orthe public Internet 230. As illustrated, subscriber corporate network240 may be connected to GGSN 224 via firewall 232; and PLMN 250 isconnected to GGSN 224 via border gateway router 234. The RemoteAuthentication Dial-In User Service (“RADIUS”) server 242 may be usedfor caller authentication when a user of a mobile cellular device callscorporate network 240.

Generally, there can be four different cell sizes in a GSM network,referred to as macro, micro, pico, and umbrella cells. The coverage areaof each cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can beregarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in amast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cellswhose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro-cells aretypically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having adiameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors. Onthe other hand, umbrella cells are used to cover shadowed regions ofsmaller cells and fill in gaps in coverage between those cells.

FIG. 4 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network assegmented into four groups: users 350, radio access network 360, corenetwork 370, and interconnect network 380. In an example configurationthe emergency alert network 110, and the wireless broadcast network 116are encompassed by the radio access network 360, core network 370, andinterconnect network 380. Users 350 comprise a plurality of end users(though only mobile subscriber 355 is shown in FIG. 4). In an exampleembodiment, the device depicted as mobile subscriber 355 comprisesmobile device 12. Radio access network 360 comprises a plurality of basestation subsystems such as BSSs 362, which include BTSs 364 and BSCs366. Core network 370 comprises a host of various network elements. Asillustrated here, core network 370 may comprise Mobile Switching Center(“MSC”) 371, Service Control Point (“SCP”) 372, gateway MSC 373, SGSN376, Home Location Register (“HLR”) 374, Authentication Center (“AuC”)375, Domain Name Server (“DNS”) 377, and GGSN 378. Interconnect network380 also comprises a host of various networks and other networkelements. As illustrated in FIG. 4, interconnect network 380 comprisesPublic Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 382, Fixed-End System (“FES”)or Internet 384, firewall 388, and Corporate Network 389.

A mobile switching center can be connected to a large number of basestation controllers. At MSC 371, for instance, depending on the type oftraffic, the traffic may be separated in that voice may be sent toPublic Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 382 through Gateway MSC(“GMSC”) 373, and/or data may be sent to SGSN 376, which then sends thedata traffic to GGSN 378 for further forwarding.

When MSC 371 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 366, it sendsa query to a database hosted by SCP 372. The SCP 372 processes therequest and issues a response to MSC 371 so that it may continue callprocessing as appropriate.

The HLR 374 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRSnetwork. HLR 374 stores static information about the subscribers such asthe International Mobile Subscriber Identity (“IMSI”), subscribedservices, and a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 374 alsostores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location ofthe mobile subscriber. Associated with HLR 374 is AuC 375. AuC 375 is adatabase that contains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers andincludes the associated keys for encryption to safeguard the user inputfor authentication.

In the following, depending on context, the term “mobile subscriber”sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portabledevice, such as the mobile device 12, used by an end user of the mobilecellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobiledevice, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which themobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. In FIG. 4, whenmobile subscriber 355 initiates the attach process by turning on thenetwork capabilities of the mobile device, an attach request is sent bymobile subscriber 355 to SGSN 376. The SGSN 376 queries another SGSN, towhich mobile subscriber 355 was attached before, for the identity ofmobile subscriber 355. Upon receiving the identity of mobile subscriber355 from the other SGSN, SGSN 376 requests more information from mobilesubscriber 355. This information is used to authenticate mobilesubscriber 355 to SGSN 376 by HLR 374. Once verified, SGSN 376 sends alocation update to HLR 374 indicating the change of location to a newSGSN, in this case SGSN 376. HLR 374 notifies the old SGSN, to whichmobile subscriber 355 was attached before, to cancel the locationprocess for mobile subscriber 355. HLR 374 then notifies SGSN 376 thatthe location update has been performed. At this time, SGSN 376 sends anAttach Accept message to mobile subscriber 355, which in turn sends anAttach Complete message to SGSN 376.

After attaching itself with the network, mobile subscriber 355 then goesthrough the authentication process. In the authentication process, SGSN376 sends the authentication information to HLR 374, which sendsinformation back to SGSN 376 based on the user profile that was part ofthe user's initial setup. The SGSN 376 then sends a request forauthentication and ciphering to mobile subscriber 355. The mobilesubscriber 355 uses an algorithm to send the user identification (ID)and password to SGSN 376. The SGSN 376 uses the same algorithm andcompares the result. If a match occurs, SGSN 376 authenticates mobilesubscriber 355.

Next, the mobile subscriber 355 establishes a user session with thedestination network, corporate network 389, by going through a PacketData Protocol (“PDP”) activation process. Briefly, in the process,mobile subscriber 355 requests access to the Access Point Name (“APN”),for example, UPS.com (e.g., which can be corporate network 389 in FIG.4) and SGSN 376 receives the activation request from mobile subscriber355. SGSN 376 then initiates a Domain Name Service (“DNS”) query tolearn which GGSN node has access to the UPS.com APN. The DNS query issent to the DNS server within the core network 370, such as DNS 377,which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSN nodes in the corenetwork 370. Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 378 can access therequested corporate network 389. The SGSN 376 then sends to GGSN 378 aCreate Packet Data Protocol (“PDP”) Context Request message thatcontains necessary information. The GGSN 378 sends a Create PDP ContextResponse message to SGSN 376, which then sends an Activate PDP ContextAccept message to mobile subscriber 355.

Once activated, data packets of the call made by mobile subscriber 355can then go through radio access network 360, core network 370, andinterconnect network 380, in a particular fixed-end system or Internet384 and firewall 388, to reach corporate network 389.

Thus, network elements that can invoke the functionality of EAS channelassignment can include but are not limited to Gateway GPRS Support Nodetables, Fixed End System router tables, firewall systems, VPN tunnels,and any number of other network elements as required by the particulardigital network.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary block diagram view of a GSM/GPRS/IPmultimedia network architecture 400 in which EAS channel assignment canbe incorporated. As illustrated, architecture 400 of FIG. 5 includes aGSM core network 401, a GPRS network 430 and an IP multimedia network438. The GSM core network 401 includes a Mobile Station (MS) 402, atleast one Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 404 and a Base StationController (BSC) 406. The MS 402 is physical equipment or MobileEquipment (ME), such as a mobile phone or a laptop computer (e.g.,mobile device 12) that is used by mobile subscribers, with a Subscriberidentity Module (SIM). The SIM includes an International MobileSubscriber Identity (IMSI), which is a unique identifier of asubscriber. The BTS 404 is physical equipment, such as a radio tower,that enables a radio interface to communicate with the MS. Each BTS mayserve more than one MS. The BSC 406 manages radio resources, includingthe BTS. The BSC may be connected to several BTSs. The BSC and BTScomponents, in combination, are generally referred to as a base station(BSS) or radio access network (RAN) 403.

The GSM core network 401 also includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)408, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 410, a Home LocationRegister (HLR) 412, Visitor Location Register (VLR) 414, anAuthentication Center (AuC) 418, and an Equipment Identity Register(EIR) 416. The MSC 408 performs a switching function for the network.The MSC also performs other functions, such as registration,authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing. The GMSC410 provides a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, suchas an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public SwitchedTelephone Networks (PSTNs) 420. Thus, the GMSC 410 provides interworkingfunctionality with external networks.

The HLR 412 is a database that contains administrative informationregarding each subscriber registered in a corresponding GSM network. TheHLR 412 also contains the current location of each MS. The VLR 414 is adatabase that contains selected administrative information from the HLR412. The VLR contains information necessary for call control andprovision of subscribed services for each MS currently located in ageographical area controlled by the VLR. The HLR 412 and the VLR 414,together with the MSC 408, provide the call routing and roamingcapabilities of GSM. The AuC 416 provides the parameters needed forauthentication and encryption functions. Such parameters allowverification of a subscriber's identity. The EIR 418 storessecurity-sensitive information about the mobile equipment.

A Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 409 allows one-to-one ShortMessage Service (SMS) messages to be sent to/from the MS 402. A PushProxy Gateway (PPG) 411 is used to “push” (i.e., send without asynchronous request) content to the MS 402. The PPG 411 acts as a proxybetween wired and wireless networks to facilitate pushing of data to theMS 402. A Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) protocol router 413 isprovided to convert SMS-based SMPP messages to cell broadcast messages.SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer entitiessuch as short message service centers. The SMPP protocol is often usedto allow third parties, e.g., content suppliers such as newsorganizations, to submit bulk messages.

To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and short messageservice (SMS), the MS first registers with the network to indicate itscurrent location by performing a location update and IMSI attachprocedure. The MS 402 sends a location update including its currentlocation information to the MSC/VLR, via the BTS 404 and the BSC 406.The location information is then sent to the MS's HLR. The HLR isupdated with the location information received from the MSC/VLR. Thelocation update also is performed when the MS moves to a new locationarea. Typically, the location update is periodically performed to updatethe database as location updating events occur.

The GPRS network 430 is logically implemented on the GSM core networkarchitecture by introducing two packet-switching network nodes, aserving GPRS support node (SGSN) 432, a cell broadcast and a GatewayGPRS support node (GGSN) 434. The SGSN 432 is at the same hierarchicallevel as the MSC 408 in the GSM network. The SGSN controls theconnection between the GPRS network and the MS 402. The SGSN also keepstrack of individual MS's locations and security functions and accesscontrols.

A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 433 communicates cell broadcast messagesthat are typically delivered to multiple users in a specified area. CellBroadcast is one-to-many geographically focused service. It enablesmessages to be communicated to multiple mobile phone customers who arelocated within a given part of its network coverage area at the time themessage is broadcast.

The GGSN 434 provides a gateway between the GPRS network and a publicpacket network (PDN) or other IP networks 436. That is, the GGSNprovides interworking functionality with external networks, and sets upa logical link to the MS through the SGSN. When packet-switched dataleaves the GPRS network, it is transferred to an external TCP-IP network436, such as an X.25 network or the Internet. In order to access GPRSservices, the MS first attaches itself to the GPRS network by performingan attach procedure. The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP)context, thus activating a packet communication session between the MS,the SGSN, and the GGSN.

In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be used inparallel. The MS can operate in one three classes: class A, class B, andclass C. A class A MS can attach to the network for both GPRS servicesand GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS also supports simultaneousoperation of GPRS services and GSM services. For example, class Amobiles can receive GSM voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data calls at thesame time.

A class B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSMservices simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not supportsimultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That is, aclass B MS can only use one of the two services at a given time.

A class C MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and GSMservices at a time. Simultaneous attachment and operation of GPRSservices and GSM services is not possible with a class C MS.

A GPRS network 430 can be designed to operate in three network operationmodes (NOM1, NOM2 and NOM3). A network operation mode of a GPRS networkis indicated by a parameter in system information messages transmittedwithin a cell. The system information messages dictates a MS where tolisten for paging messages and how signal towards the network. Thenetwork operation mode represents the capabilities of the GPRS network.In a NOM1 network, a MS can receive pages from a circuit switched domain(voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS can suspend the datacall or take both simultaneously, depending on the ability of the MS. Ina NOM2 network, a MS may not received pages from a circuit switcheddomain when engaged in a data call, since the MS is receiving data andis not listening to a paging channel In a NOM3 network, a MS can monitorpages for a circuit switched network while received data and vise versa.

The IP multimedia network 438 was introduced with 3GPP Release 5, andincludes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 440 to provide rich multimediaservices to end users. A representative set of the network entitieswithin the IMS 440 are a call/session control function (CSCF), a mediagateway control function (MGCF) 446, a media gateway (MGW) 448, and amaster subscriber database, called a home subscriber server (HSS) 450.The HSS 450 may be common to the GSM network 401, the GPRS network 430as well as the IP multimedia network 438.

The IP multimedia system 440 is built around the call/session controlfunction, of which there are three types: an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)443, a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 442, and a serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 444. TheP-CSCF 442 is the MS's first point of contact with the IMS 440. TheP-CSCF 442 forwards session initiation protocol (SIP) messages receivedfrom the MS to an SIP server in a home network (and vice versa) of theMS. The P-CSCF 442 may also modify an outgoing request according to aset of rules defined by the network operator (for example, addressanalysis and potential modification).

The I-CSCF 443, forms an entrance to a home network and hides the innertopology of the home network from other networks and providesflexibility for selecting an S-CSCF. The I-CSCF 443 may contact asubscriber location function (SLF) 445 to determine which HSS 450 to usefor the particular subscriber, if multiple HSS's 450 are present. TheS-CSCF 444 performs the session control services for the MS 402. Thisincludes routing originating sessions to external networks and routingterminating sessions to visited networks. The S-CSCF 444 also decideswhether an application server (AS) 452 is required to receiveinformation on an incoming SIP session request to ensure appropriateservice handling. This decision is based on information received fromthe HSS 450 (or other sources, such as an application server 452). TheAS 452 also communicates to a location server 456 (e.g., a GatewayMobile Location Center (GMLC)) that provides a position (e.g.,latitude/longitude coordinates) of the MS 402.

The HSS 450 contains a subscriber profile and keeps track of which corenetwork node is currently handling the subscriber. It also supportssubscriber authentication and authorization functions (AAA). In networkswith more than one HSS 450, a subscriber location function providesinformation on the HSS 450 that contains the profile of a givensubscriber.

The MGCF 446 provides interworking functionality between SIP sessioncontrol signaling from the IMS 440 and ISUP/BICC call control signalingfrom the external GSTN networks (not shown). It also controls the mediagateway (MGW) 448 that provides user-plane interworking functionality(e.g., converting between AMR- and PCM-coded voice). The MGW 448 alsocommunicates with other IP multimedia networks 454.

Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) capable mobile phones register with thewireless network when the phones are in a predefined area (e.g., jobsite, etc.). When the mobile phones leave the area, they register withthe network in their new location as being outside the predefined area.This registration, however, does not indicate the actual physicallocation of the mobile phones outside the pre-defined area.

While example embodiments of EAS channel assignment have been describedin connection with various computing devices, the underlying conceptscan be applied to any computing device or system capable of EAS channelassignment. The various techniques described herein can be implementedin connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with acombination of both. Thus, the methods and apparatus for EAS channelassignment, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take the form ofprogram code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such asfloppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readablestorage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into andexecuted by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes anapparatus for implementing EAS channel assignment. In the case ofprogram code execution on programmable computers, the computing devicewill generally include a processor, a storage medium readable by theprocessor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements), at least one input device, and at least one output device.The program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, ifdesired. In any case, the language can be a compiled or interpretedlanguage, and combined with hardware implementations.

The methods and apparatus for EAS channel assignment also can bepracticed via communications embodied in the form of program code thatis transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electricalwiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via any other form oftransmission, wherein, when the program code is received and loaded intoand executed by a machine, such as an EPROM, a gate array, aprogrammable logic device (PLD), a client computer, or the like, themachine becomes an apparatus for EAS channel assignment. Whenimplemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code combineswith the processor to provide a unique apparatus that operates to invokethe functionality of EAS channel assignment. Additionally, any storagetechniques used in connection with EAS channel assignment can invariablybe a combination of hardware and software.

While EAS channel assignment has been described in connection with thevarious embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood thatother similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions canbe made to the described embodiment for performing the same function ofEAS channel assignment without deviating therefrom. For example, oneskilled in the art will recognize that a system for EAS channelassignment as described may apply to any environment, whether wired orwireless, and may be applied to any number of devices connected via acommunications network and interacting across the network. Therefore,EAS channel assignment should not be limited to any single embodiment,but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance withthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A server comprising: a processor; and memorycoupled to the processor, the memory comprising executable instructionsthat when executed by the processor cause the processor to effectuateoperations comprising: receiving an indication of a location of a deviceusing wired communication; receiving from the device an indication of aplurality of available designated channels over wired communication;responsive to receiving the indication of the plurality of availabledesignated channels, selecting from the plurality of availabledesignated channels, a first designated channel associated with thereceived indication of location; and providing an indication to thedevice to communicate via the first designated channel.
 2. The server ofclaim 1, wherein the indication of the first designated channelcomprises a pointer to a table comprising a plurality of potentialdesignated channels.
 3. The server of claim 1, wherein the wiredcommunication is fiber optic cabling.
 4. The server of claim 1, whereinthe first designated channel comprises an emergency alert systemchannel.
 5. The server of claim 1, wherein the first designated channelcomprises a channel dedicated for a specific purpose.
 6. The server ofclaim 1, wherein the device is preconfigured with the plurality ofavailable designated channels for an emergency alert system.
 7. Theserver of claim 1, the operations further comprising receiving a messagewith an indication that the device contains a table preconfigured withavailable designated channels for an emergency alert system.
 8. Theserver of claim 1, wherein the device is a television.
 9. The server ofclaim 1, the operations further comprising: receiving an indication thatthe device is no longer registered with a switching center of a firstlocation, the switching center performs functions comprising switchingand registration; and updating the first designated channel based on theindication that the device is no longer registered with the switchingcenter.
 10. A method comprising: receiving, by a processor, anindication of a location of a device, the device using wiredcommunication; receiving, by the processor, from the device anindication of a plurality of available designated channels over wiredcommunication; responsive, by the processor, to receiving the indicationof the plurality of available designated channels, selecting from theplurality of available designated channels, a first designated channelassociated with the received indication of location; and providing, bythe processor, an indication to the device to communicate via the firstdesignated channel.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the indicationof the first designated channel comprises a pointer to a tablecomprising a plurality of potential designated channels.
 12. The methodof claim 10, wherein the first designated channel comprises foreignlanguage channel.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the firstdesignated channel comprises an emergency alert system channel.
 14. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the first designated channel comprises achannel dedicated for a specific purpose.
 15. The method of claim 10,wherein the device is preconfigured with the plurality of availabledesignated channels for an emergency alert system.
 16. The method ofclaim 10, further operations comprising receiving a message with anindication that the device contains a table preconfigured with availabledesignated channels for an emergency alert system.
 17. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the device is a television.
 18. The method of claim10, further operations comprising: receiving an indication that thedevice is no longer registered with a switching center of a firstlocation, the switching center performs functions comprising switchingand registration; and updating the first designated channel based on theindication that the device is no longer registered with the switchingcenter.
 19. A system comprising: a device; and a server communicativelyconnected with the device, the server comprising: a processor; andmemory coupled to the processor, the memory comprising executableinstructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor toeffectuate operations comprising: receiving an indication of a locationof the device, the device using wired communication; receiving from thedevice an indication of a plurality of available designated channelsover wired communication; responsive to receiving the indication of theplurality of available designated channels, selecting from the pluralityof available designated channels, a first designated channel associatedwith the received indication of location; and providing an indication tothe device to communicate via the first designated channel.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the indication of the first designatedchannel comprises a pointer to a table comprising a plurality ofpotential designated channels.